Abstract:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD or autism) is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social skills, communication and repetitive or restricted interests. Research indicates that young children with autism experience delayed infant motor milestones resulting in deficits of fine and gross motor skills. The purpose of this larger study, in the Children & Youth with Disabilities Lab, is to implement an early intervention for young children with autism using movement-based programming as the primary mode of intervention. Through a randomized control trial of a movement-based program it is hypothesized that children with autism will experience health- related benefits through improvements in motor skills, social communicative skills and physical activity. As a part of this study a number of baseline assessments are being conducted. As a part of my research apprenticeship I have been present for most of these assessments and video taping them. Motor assessment and social assessment scores will be compared to determine if a relationship exists. The Pearson Product Moment will then be used and descriptive statistics, such as the frequency the participants’ age, gender, and IQ score. This study will be the first to explore standardized motor skills compared to motor skills seen in a natural setting for young children with autism.